The phrase "defund the police" does not necessarily mean reducing the number of officers in a given area. | stock photo
The phrase "defund the police" does not necessarily mean reducing the number of officers in a given area. | stock photo
Back in June, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer told a prominent anti-police website that she supports the “spirit” of defunding local police departments, according to Michigan Capitol Confidential.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in an interview on June 9 that she supports defunding the police in an effort to relocate resources. However, she later attempted to walk the statement back in an interview with the Detroit Free Press.
Whitmer made the controversial statement in a live Instagram interview on "The Root," which is hosted by reporter Terrell Jermaine Starr.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
| stock photo
"Defund the police" is a broad phrase that the Black Lives Matter movement uses, which can be defined in a number of different ways. Whitmer told "The Root" that "defunding the police" -- to her -- means "prioritizing resources."
However, the governor later told the Detroit Free Press, "The spirit of it is about rebuilding communities in a just and equitable manner."
Beginning in October 2020, the total Michigan State Police budget fell back to $738.1 million, which was approved by the governor and state lawmakers, according to Michigan Capitol Confidential.
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